Nyoongar push to rename Rottnest to Wadjemup

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WA's beloved Rottnest Island would be renamed to include its Aboriginal name under a push by the state's Nyoongar community.

The proposal, which is in its initial stages, is also expected to include dual names for Perth landmarks, including Kings Park and Ascot Racecourse.

The South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council is calling for Rottnest to be given a dual name to include its Nyoongar title, Wadjemup.

The council and Nyoongar elders have raised the plan in secret talks with the State Government and local councils.

While Nyoongars would prefer Rottnest to be completely replaced by Wadjemup, they are willing to settle for dual names. The finer details, such as which name would go first, have not been decided.

SWALSC regional development co-ordinator Daniel Garlett said Nyoongar names encapsulated Dreamtime stories that spanned thousands of years, while many European names were only a couple of hundred years old.

"We are focusing on all of our landmarks and significant areas, such as Rottnest Island," Mr Garlett said. "They need to be acknowledged and called what they are. Nyoongar people call (Rottnest Island) Wadjemup - we would never, ever call it Rottnest.

"You could have two names ... But the more empowering statement would be that it's called what it's called because it was always called that - and that is the rightful name of that place.

"More and more people are coming forward wanting to change names. In time, just like we learnt how to speak English, we're serious about wanting everyday Australians to speak our language."

Rottnest, named by Dutch explorers, means "rats nest", while Wadjemup means "place across the water where the spirits are" - a reference to the hundreds of men who died on Rottnest when it served as an Aboriginal prison from 1838 to 1931.

Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi, who has taken part in the discussions, said she supported dual names, as long as the Nyoongar and existing names ran alongside each other and were equally prominent. She said any plans to rename City of Perth sites would have to go to council.

"In a more globalised world, it is our historical and cultural stories and focus that is going to enhance our uniqueness," she said.

The SWALSC is also working with the Swan River Trust to give significant sites along the river dual names.

The plan replicates the move that changed Ayers Rock to Uluru, as well as recent calls to rename Queensland's Fraser Island by its traditional name, K'gari.

The 2008 West Australian of the Year, prominent Aboriginal leader Mark Bin Bakar, said: "It is correct in the spirit of true reconciliation to have dual names.

"The naming of places correctly shows very genuine interest in reconciliation by the correct bodies and enforces empowerment, pride and dignity to Nyoongar people."

The Rottnest Island Authority said it had not heard of the plan, but doubted it would go ahead.

"I'm not sure that that idea would get much traction," chairman Laurie O'Meara said.